Dipalata
It has been somewhere around ten days since our arrival to Zambezi, and although that may not sound like a long time, I have a hard time remembering what life was like before arriving here. Since being in Zambia we have had a whirlwind of emotions and feelings towards the new world we have been submerged into. Friendships have been created, plenty of laughter has been shared, and some tears of joy and sadness have been shed as well.
This weekend we traveled to a small village located about an hour outside of Zambezi. This community known as Dipalata welcomed us with full hearts, love, and excitement just to have our presence in their village. We were greeted by the beautiful voices of the Zambian women welcoming us through song and a large feast. I felt like a celebrity among these people who did not know me at all. We ate in a small hut while malnourished children waited outside for us to finish our dinner. I couldn’t help but feel guilty for eating my third meal of the day knowing that some people here probably hadn’t eaten in days. Questions were running through my head and I couldn’t help but feel a cloud of sadness surrounding my heart. How could these people treat me so well when I am a complete stranger? I never would have been welcomed in America by a group of strangers with singing, dancing, and heaps of food. Each day I am continuously reminded that the people of Zambia are so much richer than us in countless ways. They carry themselves with strength, continue to give to others, welcome everyone with kindness, and never cease to acknowledge the presence of others. I am shocked by the richness of character and faith these people possess while being so poor in more materialistic areas.
Thinking about this brought me back to one of my favorite quotations from an article we read in reflection last week. “But the closer we stand with the poor, the more we can see from their perspective. Important things that were once invisible to us become clearer. We see that we are all in need, rich and poor.” Being in Dipalata truly allowed us to stand with the poor and reinforced to me that I am in no place to say that I live a richer life than any Zambian. I have encountered countless Zambians who believe America is a dream world with little faults. While in a Dipalata, I held a conversation with a young boy who welcomed me and then asked what I had brought him. He asked over and over what I had brought from America, stating that America must be a great place. I am not by any means denying that we live in a great world full of opportunities for growth and success but I do not believe that we are rich in all aspects of life. We are weak in heart compared to the strength of the people I meet here in Zambia. Not any one place or person will ever be perfect, but the simplicity of life here gives me hope that one day more people in our world will be able to live with more open hearts to others with less focus on materialistic items.
Finding the balance between the way I live at home and the way people live in Africa is consistently on my mind. An even ground between “too much” and “too little” needs to be established. There is no better world to live in because both lack in different things. The people of Africa lack in many of the basic necessities of life while the western world lacks in an appreciation for people, life, and spirit. We are all in need, just in different areas. Striving to appreciate the simplicities and joy of the people in my life and just enjoying the small things in life will help myself live with the richness of the Zambians.
If the world were a perfect place I would snap my fingers and fix the deeply rooted problems that many African countries face. Unfortunately, the most I can do is serve alongside these people and learn from them hoping that one day more people will be able to live with the joy, faith, and strength of these people. I have begun to see that in order to fix the problems that overwhelm these countries with poverty, HIV/Aids, and starvation I must first understand the people and the history of Zambia.
After arriving home on Sunday night from our stay in Dipalata I was more than thankful for the luxurious convent that we are now referring to as the “Ritz.” The ice cold shower was welcomed happily as well as our slightly creaky beds. But most importantly I realized that although I may not be able to solve all the problems of Africa, just being here with these people may be enough. Instead of crying for these people, I left Dipalata smiling for their happiness and appreciation for life, hoping that if I ever had to live in these conditions that I would be able to carry myself with the spirit and happiness that they each do.
I have a favorite quotation that goes a little bit like this that I would like to end this entry with, “the mystery of life is not a problem to be solved but a reality to be experienced.”
Katie Hayes, Class of 2014
P.S. I would just like to thank all of our readers for following our African journey with us. Much love to you all! And we all wish the second group the best of travels as they depart for Africa tomorrow!
KATIE! Thank you so much for describing your journey to Dipalata! The issues you speak of are incredibly complex and refer to subjects many people simply choose to ‘sidestep’ out of blinded ignorance rather than working through and actually attempting to attain such a balance of which you speak. Your post was beautiful; for not only is it evident are you taking a journey of deeper self-reflection and awareness, you are also sharing that awareness through educating all of your readers on what truly makes us human through your anecdotes of your time in Zambia — that “appreciation for people, life, and the spirit.” I hung on every word…as I do with all of your groups’ blogs 😉 (As a side note, I can’t wait to see the pictures you have taken from your trip!)
You are all accomplishing this through these posts and it has made me a very happy, anxious anticipatee (I think I just made that word up to work as a noun…Erin can probably confirm this for me hahaha) for my own travels to this land of beauty you all have so eloquently and impressively reflected upon (for those of us, who like me, are logging on what seems like every minute to see who is the next to post). I was bragging to my parents the other day about the level of maturity and inspired thoughtfulness you each speak/write of and it truly brings butterflies to my stomach knowing you all are receiving such powerful gifts from your experiences in Zambezi you will carry for the rest of your lives.
Please keep posting more pictures! They are so surreal and very comforting at the same time to see your faces in such an enchanting place.
Blake, I like how you’re mean-mugging in the photo up top. That’s my boyo.
Stills, I hope you are showing off your spicy Latina dance moves during your nightly (morning?) dance party sessions. Furthermore, you look so naturally stunning and sooooo blissfully happy (as I knew you would, on both accounts) in the photos of you from previous posts. It makes my heart nearly burst with joy knowing you are safe, in incredibly great company of love and laughter, and serving with the Leadership team. As I mentioned earlier in a comment, I miss you so much. It seems like just yesterday we were either getting lost in the Logan neighborhood or walking (well, let’s be real, running, more like, because we were probably late) to Tilford on Friday afternoons together….and now you’re a world away having the adventure of a lifetime. I was reflecting with my parents (reading the blog posts of late with them, naturally) about how incredibly lucky we are to be surrounded with such a loving ‘family’ and community of friends at Gonzaga. Everyone asks me how you are daily, and are following your groups’ adventures as well. You are so loved and I cherish your friendship and the love you bring to my life so much. Sorry if I’m ranting now hahah, I just really miss you. That picture of you, Josh, Blake and the beekeeper was sooooo awesome! Loved the ZG reppin’.
PS- Kyle and Sam told me yesterday they might get a puppy! All that convincing and threatening to buy one for them might have finally paid off!!!!
PPS- I’m a brunette now!
….totally kidding.
But it is 5:00 a.m. KC time and I can’t sleep because I can’t stop getting the colorful images of the heart of Zambia you have all painted so vividly in my head to stop dancing around, keeping me from sweet slumber….not kidding. But that’s okay…let’s just call it my pre-jet lag compensation strategy…
Erin – just gotta tell you, that post from earlier this week was probably one of the most touching and beautiful things I’ve ever read. I hope you saw Meg’s response where she quoted Sam from LOTR for you…miiiight have given me chills 🙂 I wouldn’t be opposed to some more hairy toes references making an appearance on the blog…. Keep on smiling and loving, searching and appreciating, beautiful girl.
Again, I love you all! And thank you for the thoughtfulness and time spent on each of your blog entries.
That includes those of your family, Josh! We love reading all about the boys’ and Grace’s Zambezi adventures as well. Aidan’s birthday sounded unreal!
Peace&Love, Brady Essmann
Good morning our blessed Gonzaga family in Zambia,
It’s Brittney B’s mom on an early Sunday morning in San Francisco. I have read each and every blog and comment, and am moved emotionally and spiritually through your words that describe your experiences. Wow.
I have so many comments on the blogs, and will begin with Katie’s Finding the Balance, with the line “Striving to appreciate the simplicities and joy of the people in my life and just enjoying the small things in life will help myself live with the richness of the Zambians.” You’ve captured a huge life lesson at a very young age, with many years ahead to appreciate the small things.
As you were welcomed unconditionally in Dipalata, remember to return the favor as others visit our country. I stick to the ‘small things’ when interacting with foreigners visiting the U.S. – be friendly, smile, help with directions, or suggest places to see/eat at, etc. My kids have typically been embarrassed in the past if I strike up a conversation with ‘foreign tourists’ whether in Yosemite or San Francisco, but as they know, I will talk to anyone. I feel like we’re the fortunate ones that benefit from the knowledge and experience gained from the conversation, and it makes our world a whole lot smaller interacting with other people from around the globe.
(Side note – loved your radiant smile in the top picture Britt! Looks like you’ve got dreadlocks on top of your head )
Lauren, your blog A Universal Thirst was as timely as ever. The day you wrote about the Zambian people’s “deep desire to gain and share knowledge”, the constant “requests to learn, read, or teach are never-ending”, and “Zambians will do anything to realize the dream of possessing a diploma, a tangible representation of possessing the knowledge they desire to soak in” was the day Brittney’s brother Tyler graduated from St. Francis High School. It really struck me how many students in the states take for granted the education that is at our fingertips. While awards were handed out with top recipients heading to Harvard, Stanford and many other top universities, your blog really made me reflect on how fortunate and blessed we are in the states to have the opportunity to quench our educational thirst. But think of how many students consider this a right versus a privilege. After reading the post, as I reflected back on Tyler walking across the stage in his brown gown and cap (decorated with UC Santa Cruz logo and the big banana slug on top) with a big smile on his face (Britt you would have been so proud), being recognized as Maxima Cum Laude, receiving his diploma and shaking Ms. Tennant’s hand, my hope is he recognizes this amazing privilege and will have the educational thirst of the Zambian people as he heads to college in the fall.
John, the picture in your post Why are you going to Africa? speaks volumes to the beauty of the country and its people. When I first saw the picture I immediately thought of the song “Down to the River To Pray.”
As I went down to the river to pray
Studying about that good ol’ way
And who shall wear the starry crown?
Good Lord show me the way!
O sisters (O brothers, O fathers, O mothers, O sinners) let’s go down
Let’s go down, come on down
O sisters (O brothers, O fathers, O mothers, O sinners) let’s do down
Down to the river to pray
The good Lord is showing all of you the way. How magnificent this vast, powerful river in the distance is. The beautiful children following the leaders. The amazing sunsets you get to experience. The life lessons you all are learning. Your own gifts you are sharing with your fellow Zambians. I think you’ve all answered the question why you went to Africa.
God bless each and every one of you.
Much love,
Julie
Katie, thanks so much for the amazing post! I loved the pictures and the quotation at the end. I think Africa is often referred to as a problem that needs to be solved, and your post reminded me that staying open to the experience despite difficult and humbling circumstances is always important!
Erin: I know I probably sound like a broken record at this point, but I can’t help myself… I miss ya and I love you lots. Life isn’t very interesting when you’re not around. I’ve re-folded my clothes for Zambia approximately eight times a day since you left. It passes the time, but I’d prefer to be watching Dr. Who or White Collar re-runs with you, or driving up to Breck or something!
PS: John-boy (now known as Jihn, apparently) says hi, and (I assume) that he loves you.
Peace and love to you all! Can’t wait to be Zambia bound tomorrow!
Megan
This post touches on a very important point and one that remindes me of the work of Mother Theresa, she was always aware that physical thirst was one thing, but the more important need was always a spiritual thirst. We are indeed a blessed country but also spiritually poor and we can learn much from other people especially about the resiliency of the human spirit. Thank you for your post!
P.S. Erin your mama loves and misses you;)
Katie, this is just fantastic! I love your quote at the end and the way you are processing the vast differences between Dipilata, Zambezi, and the U.S… sometimes living the questions and loving the people is more important than searching for an answer. You’re experiences in Zambia will never leave you, and that is pretty special. Lots of love to everyone!
SO EXCITED when i saw it was your post katie kat! (i exclaimed in my kitchen ‘oh its katie’s!!’ and my mom said, ‘aww katie!’) what an absolutely breathtaking description of your time thus far. so beautifully written, and heartfelt. i can almost feel what you {all} must be feeling!! i makes me so proud of all you are doing over there. you pinpoint such an amazing struggle of balance in our lives and it was a welcome, and refreshing start to my day. thank you for that. love you, miss you!!!!
and PICTURES. yayy. you all look so beautiful (you too blake, and john tehe) and happy…its like you have a glow about you that must come from the richness of life you have experienced in the past 2ish weeks. it is just incredible.
KELLIEANNE oh so good to see your lovely face. (that picture is PRECIOUS of you three), i love you i love you. i miss you i miss you. i know you are having the best time and touching the lives of all you meet
much love to the entire group!
xoxo,
kate
p.s- katie thanks love for the well wishes as group 2 embarks on our journey tomorrow! eek!
Woww it completely broke my heart when I read of the hospitality of the people in Dipalata.. They were so lacking in terms of food and resources but they so willingly gave what little they had in order to welcome you guys. And you’re totally right that the problems of Zambezi, and many other African countries, are so much more deeply rooted than we know. In order to fix them, we really do have to get to know the culture and the people. So many times, it seems like America or other organization’s responses to problems are to just throw money around and provide resources. But it’s SOO much more than that. I worry of America entering into a “we have so much to offer” mentality but man, WE have so much to learn and receive from THEM as well. Your post reminded me of that so thank you 🙂 And the fact that so many people in third world countries view America as the perfect land. Actually, I feel like even people that don’t live in third world countries have that same view. But the fact that you as an American can go into this different country and comment on the many shortcomings that we ourselves have speaks vooooolluuummesss of both their character and of yours too!
I say this every time but it’s seriously amazing to daily read each of your blog posts and to partake (albeit in a very limited way) on your experiences with you.
Hi Hikaru! This is the second picture of you on this blog! It makes me happy to see your face every once in a while hehe 🙂 I want to say ‘wish you were here’ but that would mean taking away from your amazing experiences in Zambezi and I would feel horrible wishing such a thing. So for now, I will just say that I miss you loooootsss and can’t wait until we are reunited and I can talk to you whenever I want. As always, so proud of ALL that you do and are doing with your life!!
I woke up at 0330 this morning to check the blog, anxiously awaiting your posting. And there you were! I grabbed the ipad to show your Mom. Since this is your time I will keep my comment brief. We are very proud of you!
Love, Dad,Mom,Kyle,Kieran,Miracle,Alice,Maria,Lucky
Katie Girl!
Thought all day about what to say …. It seems so simple yet so true. From the first time I met you I knew you were special ;). Your post is so YOU! Your bright giving personality shines through in your words. Each time I visited GU you welcomed me with a hug and your beautiful smile I can feel you giving that warmth to everyone around you! And your picture..again so you wrapped in a blanket smiling and spreading your joyful soul with everyone. You’ve found your purpose sweet Katie you share with everyine your joy of life through your heart warming smile and giving heart! Keep smiling keep loving keep dreaming !
Love Kim xoxo
P. S. Lauren your family is so proud of you I have had so many texts about your post. You touched us all 🙂 to the moon and back my love !!! love and prayers to All of you, you are changing our lives as we share in yours!
Katie!!!!! How wonderful to hear from you 🙂 Your reflection on the simplicity and discovering how this can be such a source of source of joy reminds me of how important it is to just live and love. I’m so proud of you. It sounds like you are making your moments worthwhile, learning from everything and everyone that surrounds you.
P.S. LOVE the pictures!!! Katie, Kellie and Hiks, seeing you all warmed my heart 🙂
Hiks, I’m so excited for pillow talk and side splitting laughter (SLOOS and FOOLS)! I love you and miss you so much!
To the group, keep livin’ and lovin’ 🙂 You are missed and loved so much.
Dear Katie, What a beautiful and powerful reflection from your heart. You have learned so much in such a short time. My hope is that you will always be able to look back and remember your thoughts and feelings and the important lessons that you learned.
I am so anxious to hear all about your experiences and funny and heart warming stories. Every day I check the blog to read about what all of you are experiencing and feeling. Of course I am also looking for a picture of you. Was that you on the bridge? I am so moved at times by the blogs that I am left speechless. I also smile in my heart and have welled up with tears on more than one occasion.
I am so happy that you have had this wonderful opportunity. You are with some amazing Gonzaga students. Their posts have been powerful and moving. Wow!
At school I have shared every day in the staff room a bit about the postings and of course Jackie has her phone so she can look up the pictures and share them around the table. I shared your blog sight with Melissa and TJ after their half marathon last weekend. They were both moved by the posts and happy to see your pictures. As you can imagine, your Dad put the blog sight onto the big TV for Sean and Oba to read and look at pictures. Aunt Janice has kept posted at Myrtle Beach with your blog too. We are all so proud of you and happy for experience. Most people don’t experience a part of Africa and surely not in the “real ” way that you are.
As I study the pictures of you and reread your post, I picture you sharing your precious smile and infectious laugh and incredible kindness with your Gonzaga group and Zambians. Let your light shine! I love you!
Mom (Marlene Hayes)
Love your mom’s post – clearly the words you wrote inspired her… you both made me tear up ;0)
Aubrey,
That picture of you is so beautiful. I showed it to the kids and I pointed out to Maggie that you weren’t carrying a water bottle and must be very thirsty. (grin) We are praying for you, Jon, and all of the others daily. I follow the blog and am so impressed with all of you.
As far as we know, the engineering crew is well. There was a great pic of Danny staring at a chimp through a fence.
God bless,
Your Seabeck Family
Katie!! This is a wonderful reflection of your time in Africa! It warms my heart to hear that you are having such a moving and unique experience and touching the lives of so many people! I cannot wait to hear more about your experience when you return, but in the mean time enjoy every moment, every smile, and everyone that you meet along the way! I love you so much and miss you guuurrrrllll (:
P.S. Aubs!!! I love you and hope you are having such a great time! You are an amazing person and friend and I miss having you in my arms!! I hope Alan is not getting jealous of all the new (real) animals you are meeting there 😉 Cowey says hello and wishes you the best in your travels!
LOVE YOU ALL!!!
–Erika
KTH-
I miss you girl. I’ve been checking the website daily waiting for your post! I teared up the entire time I read it not only because of how beautiful your experience sounds but how happy I am for you! I remember months ago when you started planning for this trip and even the days before you left when you told me it hadn’t hit you yet. It sounds like everything is finally hitting you and I know you’re having an amazing time. I know you of all people will carry this trip and memories with you for the REST of your life! Continue to have fun, I can’t wait to hear all about it when you come home 🙂
I love yousby,
KTH
Katie, what a beautiful reflection! It’s amazing how 10 days there feels like a lifetime. It brings me so much joy to see you and the group strive for a greater understanding of the Zambian people and a deep desire to find balance among our different worlds.
Aubs, it is SO great to see your smiling face!!!! You are glowing my dear and look so happy and healthy! Keep on keepin’ on aubsy bobs! Seriously crying from seeing you there in your cute little chitenge. Love you love you love you!!!!
Christina, sending my love your way too! I am so happy and proud of you for embarking on this incredible journey straight from Florence. I’m sure your transition there has been different than other members of your group, but I know you have embraced the challenge. Miss you lots! You and your whole group are in my thoughts and prayers constantly. Wish I could be there with you!
Kisu Mwane,
Katie
Dear Katie,
I so enjoyed your post, especially your last quote!
Blakers, its good to see your face. It’s good to see all of your smiling, mugging faces!:)
I miss talking to my boy but, anxiously watch for the next blog everyday.
Big Hugs to all of you!
Katie,
I enjoyed your blog – it has your personality shining through. You have always had a warm heart and your smile matches it.
I know you are taking lots of pictures and I can’t wait to have you share them with us. I am so happy to see this one of you and Kellie! Thanks for providing me with a glimpse of my beautiful daughters (honorary and real)!! Continue to enjoy your last two weeks in Zambia. Be safe.
Love,
Debbie
Katie,
How refreshing to open the site and see your picture and your posting this am. Your mom texted last nite to visit the site and you. We are so proud and elited that you are having this experience and absorbing the people and culture of Zambia. Your smile and personality is so contagious and I am sure that you are shining greatly on the people of Zambia. Continue to shine and grow with this experience. Keep sending the pictures and words as you experience this time of your life.
Take care be safe.
Love & Hugs
Aunt Jazza & Zahi
Dear Katie, With my Kate en route to Zambia today, I find myself with a little more free time to read the blog and sought your entry out first as I’ve been wanting to read it since she first exclaimed you had posted! 🙂 I was touched by it in many ways but the one thing that stood out was your thought that “the western world lacks in an appreciation for people, life and spirit.” I agree with you, yet I am struck with how that doesn’t fit you and by what I’m seeing/reading, nor does it fit the other Gonzaga students with you. How well God/Professor Josh has chosen this very special group of 30…You all who have given up precious summer days to be courageous, adventurous, and selfless…to touch lives in ways you may never know…and to be touched by the heart of Zambia. I have been praying for you and soon for your journey home. xoxo Kate’s mom, Mary
KATIE!!!
This is such a great post! I am so proud of you and I’m glad that you are having an amazing time. One day I want to hear about every moment of your trip. Over some froyo perhaps?! Yes please! I’m sure that your presence is such a blessing and gift to all that you encounter over there. I hope you’re allowing to be impacted as much as you are making an impact. Soak up every moment! Hopefully you’ve been able to deliver those picture and been able to meet Jessie and baby Shawna! Give them hugs for me. Anyway… Love you boo! Eat an extra bite of enshima for me!
-Elisabeth
KATIE! It is so wonderful hearing your voice even if it is on my computer screen. The wonderful adventures you are experiencing sound heartwrenching, profound, and wonderful. Being in The States you have given me so many interesting things to reflect on. Although I can’t experience it with you all it brings me so much joy to read about it and hear your perspective! I hope that you are staying safe and healthy!
Love you very much and send my love and prayers to everyone
Sarah
Katie,
Your post is truly incredible. I am so proud of you for going on this journey and grateful for the insights you have shared!
Enjoy the rest of the time, can’t wait to hear all about it in person!
Love,
Melissa
Hey sis I enjoyed reading your post and I look forward to listening to your experiences when you get back. Thinking about you.
Love your brother